Editorial: Helmet law should be left alone

Friday, April 9, 1999 | 11:53 a.m.

It would be a step backward if the state's mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists is repealed. The helmet law has been in place since 1971; medical professionals and traffic safety officials credit the law with not only saving lives but also holding down medical costs associated with traumatic head injuries.

Assemblyman Don Gustavon, R-Sun Valley, the author of Assembly Bill 201, attempts to frame the debate as one of personal freedom. The reality, though, is that this has nothing to do with freedom. After all, motorcycles aren't being taken away. Drivers are just being asked to wear a helmet for their own protection.

This issue is about public safety. Decades ago government at both the state and federal levels was negligent when it came to transportation safety. Today, however, safety is much improved. Seatbelts are now mandatory in vehicles. Federal government regulations also require automakers to meet strict safety standards, with the goal of making sure that the passengers will be as safe as reasonably possible if they're in an accident.

Society benefits through these measures in not only the lives saved but also in reduced medical costs and lower insurance premiums. Without these safety features, including the use of a motorcycle helmet, costs certainly would increase. For those who doubt the value of helmets, some statistics might help. In the past 18 months at University Medical Center, 102 motorcyclists were treated for head injuries. Of those without a helmet, 55 percent went to the intensive care unit compared with 36 percent who wore a helmet. Dr. Mary Guinan, the state health officer, also notes that in 24 of the 26 states that repealed helmet laws, motorcycle deaths increased significantly.

Legislators who believe this is an issue about personal freedom should visit University Medical Center's trauma unit and see the severe head wound of a motorcyclist who wasn't wearing a helmet. The mandatory helmet law benefits public safety and legislators shouldn't tamper with it.